Ball Pouch or Bag

[Pigman]

Does any one have a pattern or instructions for making a Ball Pouch?

I have seen several different styles on the forum and was going to make one. I need some more information.

Thanks,
Foster From Flint

 

[the Black Spot]

drawstring type or "squeeze open the neck" type pouch?

 

[rabjr]

A hard rawhide one? I made this one as a shot pouch but it would hold balls too.
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/...ost/423262/hl/shot+pouch/fromsearch/1/#423262

 

[jbwilliams3]

I made this one (in the bottom left-hand corner), from old work gloves. The simple pattern is from Mark Baker’s Pilgrim’s Journey Vol. I. It’s 2 Inches at the opening with a double-thickness of leather for the first inch-and a quarter or so to keep it shut. It’s three inches long and slightly wider than 2 ¼ or so inches at it’s widest. It’s very simple to make and very handy. This one only hold 10-15 balls for .45 or .50 cal, but can be made any size.

 

[Pigman]

How well does it stay shut?

Did you do anything to make the bottom rounder/bigger?

Thanks,
Foster From Flint

 

[jbwilliams3]

It stays shut extremely well, courtesy of two thicknesses of leather on top. You can squeeze it open with two fingers and pull out a ball. I wouldn’t use deer skin, probably, as it may be too thin. All you need is to draw out a simple pattern, and cut out your leather and stitch them together ( used some glue to keep the double portion together). The leather will stretch and bulge out a bit as you fit balls in. Force in a couple more than you initially think will fit. You’re simply shaping it sort of as you would do with the raw hide version. I stuck some brown shoe polish on the leather before I stitched it, and I thought it gave it a nice stain.

 

[jbwilliams3]

Now that I think about it, you could use the same basic pattern for shot as well by just narrowing the opening and making sure the top portion was good and stiff.

 

[omarick1948]

Jb, How about putting a piece of thin flat spring steel i.e., industrial pallet strapping or banding between the thicknesses of leather at the opening? ... I think I've seen tobacco pouches made like that!

Rick

 

[paulvallandigham]

The thin springs can be done, but aren't really necessary if you use two pieces of thick leather on the outside. I have some clothing grade elkskin left over from a project, and I can make a couple of nice small ball bags, using the soft elk, but putting two strips of thicker cowhide from another project on the top of the "neck".

I have one of those soft ball bags, that seems like it can carry 50 or more .50 cal. balls in it at one time. Who needs to be dragging around that much lead? Certainly, for hunting, a ball block makes the most sense, but since they are not HC according to some, a small ball bag made like this that can hold 10 or few balls makes a lot of sense.

The " Secret" of keeping the balls in this bag, even upside down, is to make the neck BELOW the two wide strips LONG ENOUGH to blouse out from the weight of the balls, when the bag is held upside down. And, keep the strips of thick leather WIDE ENOUGH to hold the weight of the balls.